Doing Justice through Education
Lavatus Powell Program is a small learning community within Purcell Marian High School. It identifies students whose needs outweigh their resources. The program acknowledges and addresses systemic injustice as expressed in Catholic Social Teaching. In keeping with the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable, the program allows students to access resources necessary for them to thrive in an educational environment.
The quality of the educational system in our society is determined by economics. At Purcell Marian we want to make sure the most vulnerable of students have access to support, that helps level the playing field and allows them to progress along with their peers. We build relationships with families in order to enable them to connect with the school and each other and to feel empowered to advocate for their children. We know the importance of parents being part of the education system.
We recognize every student comes to the learning environment with knowledge and a unique perspective to share with one another. We encourage students to value diversity and to respect different perspectives. One goal is to enable students to move away from competition and independence and to embrace mutuality and community.
We acknowledge economic disparity and how it impacts a student’s learning. Providing financial and academic support, school supplies, uniforms, nutritional food, etc., helps students participate more fully in the school and progress toward their goals.
In accessing community resources, we meet people who have a wealth of resources and through their interaction, they and the students are mutually transformed. The people have access to resources, but when they begin to work with students, they see and experience classicism, racism, etc., in a new way. Students also come to know people from other walks of life in a new way, as friends and mentors.
From its inception, the program has been organic and ever evolving. – S. Janet Linz, Co-Director
P.O. Box 100 Oldenburg, Indiana 47036-0100 812-934-2475
www.oldenburgfranciscans.org
www.facebook.com/oldenburgsisters
